Diocesan seminarians share their summer experiences By Gabrielle Nolan During the fall and spring semesters of the academic year, diocesan seminarians are poring over philosophy and theology textbooks in classrooms, preparing to pass final exams. But the learning does not stop over the summer season; it just looks a little …
Glenmary missionary reflects on five-decade vocation
Kathy O’Brien retires but is still active By Omar Cabrera Glenmary Home Missioners Kathy O’Brien is wrapping up a 50-year career as a member of the Glenmary Lay Missionaries. More than half a century ago, Ms. O’Brien had her first contact with the institute through a vocation brochure that was …
‘It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you’
Strengthening the call: A renewed focus on vocations By Beth Parsons Priests of the Diocese of Knoxville met for their annual spring convocation June 3–5, a time set aside for prayer, fraternity, and reflection. This year’s gathering, the first under the leadership of Bishop Mark Beckman, placed special emphasis on …
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Chattanooga filmmakers gain distribution deal with Angel Studios
‘He Named Him Adam’ is the latest production from Crunch Entertainment By Gabrielle Nolan Local filmmakers Marc Aramian and Veronica DiPippo are making headway on their latest project, a pro-life film depicting the true story of Regina Block and her post-abortive journey called He Named Him Adam. Ms. Block found …
Consecrated virgins hold U.S. convocation in Diocese of Knoxville
By Emily Booker The United States Association of Consecrated Virgins (USACV) held its national convocation in Gatlinburg June 27-30. Some 30 consecrated virgins from all across the nation, including Hawaii, gathered for learning, prayer, and fellowship. Consecrated virginity is the oldest form of consecrated life in the Catholic Church. A …
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A learning experience
Fr. Charters’ 50 years as a priest have been a lesson in adapting By Bill Brewer Father Tom Charters has been nominated for the Lumen Christi Award, Catholic Extension Society’s highest honor. It’s fitting recognition for a priest who has served the Catholic faith for more than 50 years. Father …
Astronaut, rocket scientists visit STAR Ex camp
Students (and parents) get hands-on experience at St. John Neumann School as they explore space By Bill Brewer The 2025 version of the STAR Ex camp did not disappoint when it came to engaging young students in the wonders of space exploration, astronomy, rocketry, telescopes, robotics, satellites, rovers, and drones. …
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‘The most caring, faithful community’
Notre Dame Parish in Greeneville celebrates its 70th anniversary as an overflow crowd attends By Dan McWilliams Founding parishioner Judy Miniat Collins has served in many leadership roles at Notre Dame in Greeneville, and upon the community’s 70th-anniversary celebration on April 27 she reflected on a recent occasion when the …
A diamond in the faith community
St. Mary gala is a testament to Oak Ridge school’s legacy and future By Dan McWilliams The community of St. Mary School in Oak Ridge turned out in full May 3 for a Diamond Anniversary Gala. The 75th-anniversary event in the school gym, attended by 160, paid a well-deserved tribute …
Pilgrims of hope
Jubilee Year is focus of KDCCW Convention at St. Mary-Johnson City By Emily Booker Women from across East Tennessee made a pilgrimage to the northeast corner of the state for the biennial Knoxville Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (KDCCW) Convention April 24-26 at St. Mary Church in Johnson City, hosted …
10th anniversary of Laudato Si’ prompts global events
Programs to honor encyclical are planned at parishes around the Diocese of Knoxville By The East Tennessee Catholic “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” (Psalm 24:1) Catholics around the world are marking the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ groundbreaking …
Plaque at St. Mary-Gatlinburg honors Father Brando’s bequest to Legacy Clinic
St. Mary Parish in Gatlinburg placed a plaque in honor of former pastor Father Joe Brando in its family life center to recognize the late priest’s bequest of funds to the St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic, whose mobile medical van now visits St. Mary monthly. “We certainly appreciate Father Brando’s leadership …